If you have scrap wood lying around from a past project, this can be an ideal use for it. [5] X Research source If you are making 16 × 16 × 16 in (41 × 41 × 41 cm) boxes, the scraps should be at least 16 inches (41 cm) square. You should also have 6 pieces that are as long as all your boxes put together, and 3 of them should be at least 16 inches (41 cm) wide.
If you’re making 16 × 16 × 16 in (41 × 41 × 41 cm) boxes, your side and divider pieces should be 16 inches (41 cm) square. Measure and mark where you will cut before using your saw. You should always wear work gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask while cutting, and work on a stable surface. [7] X Research source
For instance, if you’re making 3 boxes that are 16 inches (41 cm) wide, your top and back pieces should be 16 inches (41 cm) wide and 48 inches (120 cm) long.
You can also use a long wire for the lip instead of a board. This will make it easier to clean your boxes as it can be easily removed, but may not be as effective at keeping eggs and bedding from falling out. The wire can be hooked onto a screw or nail on each side of the boxes, and removed when you want to clean dirty bedding materials out of the boxes. [10] X Research source
You should measure and mark along both lengthwise edges of the bottom piece to be sure your measurements are straight.
When you’re propping up the piece to dry, use a level to make sure they’re positioned straight up and down. Otherwise, you’ll have trouble attaching the top piece. [11] X Research source
Make sure your nails or screws are long enough to go through the top piece and at least 1 inch (2. 5 cm) into the sides or dividers underneath it. For extra stability, flip the boxes over and put 2-3 screws or nails in the bottom piece in each place where it meets a side or divider.
Since the bottom piece will stick out farther in the front, you may need to set the boxes on top of cinder-blocks so that it can lie flat. You can also have 2 people hold the back piece in place while you attach it instead of turning it over.
The boxes should have at least 3 inches (7. 6 cm) of bedding, and you may need to add more periodically if it becomes flattened or is kicked out of the boxes. If you are using wood shavings, avoid cedar, since it contains aromatic oils that can be harmful to chickens. Pine is best.
The curtains should be large enough that they cover the entire opening of the box. If your hens do not seem to be entering the boxes, try pinning or tying the bottoms of the curtains to the side to make the opening between them obvious. [18] X Research source Any kind of fabric will do, but if you want to avoid unsightly unraveling, use stretchier knit fabrics or hem the edges.
When you clean out the bedding, check to see whether the box itself seems to be crusted with dirt or manure. If it is, clean it with some water, a scrub brush, and an unscented, eco-friendly cleaning solution like Dr. Bronner’s. [21] X Research source
